tandycipps
06-19-2008, 11:35 PM
Hi,
On June 30 I'm going in to have my first (of 2) sleep studies for sleep apnea.
What I want to know is where all do they stick the wires? I'm trying to decide what to wear to sleep in that will be the easiest with everything they are going to be hooking up to me.
I really dread it but I will just have to make the best of it.
Any help would so be appreciated!
Annie
On June 30 I'm going in to have my first (of 2) sleep studies for sleep apnea.
What I want to know is where all do they stick the wires? I'm trying to decide what to wear to sleep in that will be the easiest with everything they are going to be hooking up to me.
I really dread it but I will just have to make the best of it.
Any help would so be appreciated!
Annie
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TexMom85
06-20-2008, 12:08 AM
Hi Annie,
Don't worry, it's really not that bad! They stick those sticky pads on you, on your forehead, chest and legs, and then connect the wires to them. If you can wear like a two-piece shorts and loose shirt, that will work. Or even capri-length bottoms. 2 piece would definitely keep you covered, so I recommend jammies as opposed to a nightgown. That way, if you kick the blankets off, your posterior isn't exposed....because they are watching you while you sleep.
They are looking for your leg movements, your heart rate, and your brain wave activity. Since I have really bad insomnia, it took them two studies (since I didn't sleep much during the first one) to find out just how bad my apnea is....which is bad. But CPAP makes a huge difference and I'm glad I had the study done.
Good luck, try not to stress, and remember it will all be worth it in the long run.
Blessings,
TexMom
Don't worry, it's really not that bad! They stick those sticky pads on you, on your forehead, chest and legs, and then connect the wires to them. If you can wear like a two-piece shorts and loose shirt, that will work. Or even capri-length bottoms. 2 piece would definitely keep you covered, so I recommend jammies as opposed to a nightgown. That way, if you kick the blankets off, your posterior isn't exposed....because they are watching you while you sleep.
They are looking for your leg movements, your heart rate, and your brain wave activity. Since I have really bad insomnia, it took them two studies (since I didn't sleep much during the first one) to find out just how bad my apnea is....which is bad. But CPAP makes a huge difference and I'm glad I had the study done.
Good luck, try not to stress, and remember it will all be worth it in the long run.
Blessings,
TexMom
tandycipps
06-20-2008, 12:45 PM
Thanks Tex!
That helps so much! Now I kind of know what to wear and what to expect.:)
Annie
That helps so much! Now I kind of know what to wear and what to expect.:)
Annie
TexMom85
06-20-2008, 06:58 PM
You're welcome! And be sure to let us know how it all works out!
Blessings,
Tex:)
Blessings,
Tex:)
sandi2932
06-20-2008, 07:24 PM
I had to have the sleep study twice myself. I was told that if they didn't call me to show up at the next appointment for the second sleep study. I figured I had sleep apnea since they didn't call me and I did. It was moderate/severe. I am looking forward to getting the machine so I can get some good sleep for a change.
The wires go on you just like they said in the previous response. I agree with them about what to wear. The doctor at the sleep clinic gave me a perscription for a sleep aid just to make sure I fell asleep. If you don't think you will fall asleep you might want to check with them about getting a perscription sleep aid.
Sandi
The wires go on you just like they said in the previous response. I agree with them about what to wear. The doctor at the sleep clinic gave me a perscription for a sleep aid just to make sure I fell asleep. If you don't think you will fall asleep you might want to check with them about getting a perscription sleep aid.
Sandi
bethsheba
06-20-2008, 08:31 PM
Yup, I would agree with everyone here. I slept in an oversized t shirt and loose shorts...
As far as the electrodes go, if I recall correctly there were either 25 or 27 of them...attached with a gel. Don't get your hair done before this test as the worst part is getting the gel out of your hair (it's not bad but I have very long hair, groan). The electrodes don't hurt, and didn't bother me when I slept, despite my pulling them out several times when I had movements.
This may sound crazy, but I got the best sleep I had in months during my study....seems that happens to others, too. So for what it's worth, it may seem like a mini-spa...I was sorry they woke me up and sent me home, ;).
Bethsheba
As far as the electrodes go, if I recall correctly there were either 25 or 27 of them...attached with a gel. Don't get your hair done before this test as the worst part is getting the gel out of your hair (it's not bad but I have very long hair, groan). The electrodes don't hurt, and didn't bother me when I slept, despite my pulling them out several times when I had movements.
This may sound crazy, but I got the best sleep I had in months during my study....seems that happens to others, too. So for what it's worth, it may seem like a mini-spa...I was sorry they woke me up and sent me home, ;).
Bethsheba
TexMom85
06-21-2008, 12:26 AM
Bethsheba,
I was laughing at your comment about being sorry to have to wake up and go home...I felt the same way when I had my 2nd study. They had woken me up in the middle of the night to put a CPAP mask on me, and uncharacteristically, I fell right back to sleep, probably more soundly than I had in a long time due to the apnea. When morning came (very early), I sure was reluctant to wake up, let alone drive home. Isn't that how it is, when you can sleep, you can't, and when you want to sleep, you can't.
The gel thing is right...I had a heck of a time getting that junk out of my hair! I'd forgotten about that...
Tex
I was laughing at your comment about being sorry to have to wake up and go home...I felt the same way when I had my 2nd study. They had woken me up in the middle of the night to put a CPAP mask on me, and uncharacteristically, I fell right back to sleep, probably more soundly than I had in a long time due to the apnea. When morning came (very early), I sure was reluctant to wake up, let alone drive home. Isn't that how it is, when you can sleep, you can't, and when you want to sleep, you can't.
The gel thing is right...I had a heck of a time getting that junk out of my hair! I'd forgotten about that...
Tex
bethsheba
06-21-2008, 02:09 PM
:DTex,
... Isn't that how it is, when you can sleep, you can't, and when you want to sleep, you can't.
Ah, you said it quite well. But unlike some, I do not think it is entirely, or even 50/50 percent psychological. In my case it took me about three years to figure out that I didn't take my blood pressure medications the morning of my sleep study because I had slept until noon...and yes, I know it was supposed to be "up early and no naps" the day of the sleep study. I slept until noon, had a nap, fell asleep within 3 minutes of my study, slept until 6 am and slept the best I had in months... Well, once again, so much for good sleep hygiene, and so much for doctors who overlook the basics.
Bethsheba
... Isn't that how it is, when you can sleep, you can't, and when you want to sleep, you can't.
Ah, you said it quite well. But unlike some, I do not think it is entirely, or even 50/50 percent psychological. In my case it took me about three years to figure out that I didn't take my blood pressure medications the morning of my sleep study because I had slept until noon...and yes, I know it was supposed to be "up early and no naps" the day of the sleep study. I slept until noon, had a nap, fell asleep within 3 minutes of my study, slept until 6 am and slept the best I had in months... Well, once again, so much for good sleep hygiene, and so much for doctors who overlook the basics.
Bethsheba
dannyp
07-09-2008, 11:16 AM
I had my study last night.
Just wear a loose shirt and loose shorts and you will be fine.
They pass wires through your shirt, down through your pants onto your calves.
Take your own pillow!
Last night I fell asleep easy enough. But when the nurse woke me to have me switch sleeping positions I was up for hours. The pillows were very hard.
So since I couldn't fall back asleep for hours I may have to do another study?
Just wear a loose shirt and loose shorts and you will be fine.
They pass wires through your shirt, down through your pants onto your calves.
Take your own pillow!
Last night I fell asleep easy enough. But when the nurse woke me to have me switch sleeping positions I was up for hours. The pillows were very hard.
So since I couldn't fall back asleep for hours I may have to do another study?
moetwins
07-10-2008, 05:31 PM
Sorry to jump in on your post but I am going to have a sleep study next week and I had a few questions. I am a little scared so sorry if these questions seem stupid. When you get there how long does it take until they start hooking you up to all of the machines, like do you fill out paper work first or do you have to go to bed right away? Then how long does it take them to actually hook you everything up and how do they do it? Also what if you have to get up to go to the bathroom at night, is there anyway you can call one of the nurses if you need help? Thanks so much for your help.
bethsheba
07-10-2008, 07:48 PM
There are no stupid questions and it is quite normal to be nervous about something you haven't done before. But from first hand experience, I would say, all in all, my sleep study was a very positive, actually pleasant, experience.
It's been about 3 years since I've had my study done so my memory may not be the best about some details. I had to report in at 8 PM and they had the electrodes attached (they are placed on top of the skin, not under, and they stay in place with a little gel/glue) by 10:30 because I was in bed and asleep by then. I was too sleep deprived to remember the events in the two hours prior to going asleep.
I woke up about 1 am because I had pulled several of my wires out (in addition to apnea, I was experiencing over 50 periodic limb movements in an hour)....and I asked at that time to go to the bathroom. I think it only took a minute or two to disconnect me and another minute or two to reconnect me so it was not a big deal...the technician was a woman by the way. Keep in mind that the people doing the sleep study may have different backgrounds...some may be nurses, some may be respiratory technicians, some may come from the field of xray technology...but in addition to their general medical background, they should have additional education/qualifications in sleep medicine. That said, someone is monitoring you all night and if you need help, there should be someone available immediately.
Now, I would encourage you to ask your sleep clinic staff the same questions...I'm sure different clinics have different practices but they have a responsibility for giving you info as to what to expect...it is your right...and you and your insurance company pay for that right.
Good luck! Have fun! And get yourself a copy of your report when it is available.
Take care.
Bethsheba
PS My technician woke me at 6 am, and had me fill out a questionaire about how I slept...it was easy/fun to do. (Sample question: How long do you think it took you to fall asleep?) They then compared my perceptions to their reality. Interesting stuff.
It's been about 3 years since I've had my study done so my memory may not be the best about some details. I had to report in at 8 PM and they had the electrodes attached (they are placed on top of the skin, not under, and they stay in place with a little gel/glue) by 10:30 because I was in bed and asleep by then. I was too sleep deprived to remember the events in the two hours prior to going asleep.
I woke up about 1 am because I had pulled several of my wires out (in addition to apnea, I was experiencing over 50 periodic limb movements in an hour)....and I asked at that time to go to the bathroom. I think it only took a minute or two to disconnect me and another minute or two to reconnect me so it was not a big deal...the technician was a woman by the way. Keep in mind that the people doing the sleep study may have different backgrounds...some may be nurses, some may be respiratory technicians, some may come from the field of xray technology...but in addition to their general medical background, they should have additional education/qualifications in sleep medicine. That said, someone is monitoring you all night and if you need help, there should be someone available immediately.
Now, I would encourage you to ask your sleep clinic staff the same questions...I'm sure different clinics have different practices but they have a responsibility for giving you info as to what to expect...it is your right...and you and your insurance company pay for that right.
Good luck! Have fun! And get yourself a copy of your report when it is available.
Take care.
Bethsheba
PS My technician woke me at 6 am, and had me fill out a questionaire about how I slept...it was easy/fun to do. (Sample question: How long do you think it took you to fall asleep?) They then compared my perceptions to their reality. Interesting stuff.
moetwins
07-11-2008, 12:35 PM
Thanks you so much bethsheba for all of that info. I am not as scared anymore so you really helped me a lot. I hope I can get some answers as to why I feel so fatigued all of the time. The weird thing is that I actually don't have much of a problem sleeping I just never feel rested, is that how you felt? Thanks so much again for your help, I really appreciate it! :)
bethsheba
07-11-2008, 02:23 PM
.... The weird thing is that I actually don't have much of a problem sleeping I just never feel rested, is that how you felt? Thanks so much again for your help, I really appreciate it! :)
I"ve never had a problem getting to sleep (that is until taking meds for blood pressure), so yes, that's pretty much how I felt for most of my life. Just for your info, one symptom of sleep apnea is falling asleep in less than 15 minutes....
I really wasn't aware of any symptoms until recently...a close relative was the one who told me that I stopped breathing when I slept. Looking back, I had apnea as a child...I yawned constantly despite sleeping 8-10 hours per night.
Again, looking back, the older I got, the more symptoms I developed...on going acid reflux, some depression, some anxiety, irritability, nocturnal trips to the bathroom, and then high blood pressure.
Well, I'm still crabby some days, but I have recognizable reasons for being so, :D. I no longer get up at night to pee. No longer take meds for acid reflux. Blood pressure has dropped significantly....and I'm losing weight again, albeit slowly. So cpap has made significant changes in my life...I was told by my technicians that it is 100 percent effective if used properly...unfortunately, some people don't tolerate it well (I suspect few) and I'm one of the lucky ones who does.
Let us know how your study goes...I'm sure some things have changed since I've had my study done and I would like to keep up with the latest!
If you think of any more questions, do let us know. I'm happy to share what i know but it's important that you get info from your clinic/doctors/technicians also!!!
Take care.
Bethsheba
I"ve never had a problem getting to sleep (that is until taking meds for blood pressure), so yes, that's pretty much how I felt for most of my life. Just for your info, one symptom of sleep apnea is falling asleep in less than 15 minutes....
I really wasn't aware of any symptoms until recently...a close relative was the one who told me that I stopped breathing when I slept. Looking back, I had apnea as a child...I yawned constantly despite sleeping 8-10 hours per night.
Again, looking back, the older I got, the more symptoms I developed...on going acid reflux, some depression, some anxiety, irritability, nocturnal trips to the bathroom, and then high blood pressure.
Well, I'm still crabby some days, but I have recognizable reasons for being so, :D. I no longer get up at night to pee. No longer take meds for acid reflux. Blood pressure has dropped significantly....and I'm losing weight again, albeit slowly. So cpap has made significant changes in my life...I was told by my technicians that it is 100 percent effective if used properly...unfortunately, some people don't tolerate it well (I suspect few) and I'm one of the lucky ones who does.
Let us know how your study goes...I'm sure some things have changed since I've had my study done and I would like to keep up with the latest!
If you think of any more questions, do let us know. I'm happy to share what i know but it's important that you get info from your clinic/doctors/technicians also!!!
Take care.
Bethsheba
moetwins
07-11-2008, 05:17 PM
Thanks again for your reply. I go next Wednesday so I will let you know how it goes. I don't go back to see my doctor until August 9th so I will be anxiously waiting for my results. If I have any more questions I will be sure to ask. Thanks again! :)
bethsheba
07-11-2008, 09:49 PM
You're very welcome!!
Good luck!
Bethsheba
Good luck!
Bethsheba
Mel52
07-12-2008, 12:49 AM
It has been 15 years since I had my study. I would wake up gasping for air in the middle of the night because my throat would close. I had to report to the clinic about 8 pm. I didn't think I would be able to sleep at all but to my surprise I did even though I had those wires everywhere. A man was in another room monitering me through a window and he had a mike so he could here me when I requested to go to the restroom. He would come in disconnect a few wires and that was it. In the morning, he asked me how many times I thought I woke up. I said 5 times. He said I woke up 60 times in 5 hours. No wonder I was always tired.
The gasping was caused by acid reflex and the waking up is part of fibromyalgia
The gasping was caused by acid reflex and the waking up is part of fibromyalgia
moetwins
07-12-2008, 09:28 PM
Thanks for the info Mel52. I also suffer from fibromyalgia, it's horrible:(. I can't believe you woke up 60 times in 5 hours, I wonder if I do that :confused:? Thanks again for your help!
Mel52
07-12-2008, 11:05 PM
Let us know how the test goes. Yes, right on the report it was indicated as a result of fibromyalgia. I was glad to have that in writing as so many doctors believe it is a "fad" disease. I took Pamiliar for years to get into that stage 3 and stage 4 of sleep which is necessary to restore muscle. WHen the muscles aren't rested then the fibro pain kicks in. However, I stopped taking it last year, even with drug holidays, it wasn't working anymore. I drink nighttime tea sometimes but most of the time, I sleep poorly. Add hot flashes to it and recovering from back surgery and sleep is something I don't do too well.
moetwins
07-14-2008, 12:25 PM
I will for sure let you guys know how it went. I'm sorry that you had to have back surgery, I had a spinal fusion in 1999 when I was 15 so I know how bad you must feel right now :(. Did you have Fibormyalgia before you had your back surgery? I almost feel like my surgery is what caused my Fibormyalgia because I have been feeling terrible ever since I got it done? I hate how some doctors sill feel that Fibormyalgia is still all in our heads. Also I wanted to ask you, can you sleep anyway you want? For some reason I am most comfortable sleeping on my stomach, do you think they will allow me to do that. Thanks again for all of your help!
bethsheba
07-14-2008, 02:05 PM
... Also I wanted to ask you, can you sleep anyway you want? For some reason I am most comfortable sleeping on my stomach, do you think they will allow me to do that. Thanks again for all of your help!
They want you to sleep the way you ususally sleep so they can identify what kind of things are causing problems. When I had the study done, they told me that 1/3 of the time I slept on my back, 1/3 on one side, and 1/3 on the other side. From what I understand, this is considered "normal", whatever that means.
For your info, sleeping on your stomach will most likely reduce any apneas (if you have them) as you are more likely to keep your airways open in that position when you sleep. It may be that is why you feel more comfortable sleeping on your stomach...but your sleep study should tell you more.
Bethsheba
They want you to sleep the way you ususally sleep so they can identify what kind of things are causing problems. When I had the study done, they told me that 1/3 of the time I slept on my back, 1/3 on one side, and 1/3 on the other side. From what I understand, this is considered "normal", whatever that means.
For your info, sleeping on your stomach will most likely reduce any apneas (if you have them) as you are more likely to keep your airways open in that position when you sleep. It may be that is why you feel more comfortable sleeping on your stomach...but your sleep study should tell you more.
Bethsheba
moetwins
07-17-2008, 02:30 PM
Hi everybody, I just wanted to let you know that I had my sleep study last night. It went ok, it took me about 3 hours to fall asleep and then once I did fall asleep they had to wake me up a few times because I kept getting tangled in the wires. I was really nervous the lady even asked me if I wanted to have my mom come pick me up because I couldn't sleep. They didn't put a CPAP machine on me so I guess that means I didn't have sleep apnea. Is there anything else that they could find? Thank you so much everyone again for answering all of my questions, I really appreciate it. :)
bethsheba
07-17-2008, 06:43 PM
...They didn't put a CPAP machine on me so I guess that means I didn't have sleep apnea. Is there anything else that they could find?
Don't assume you don't have apnea because they didn't put a cpap on you...they didn't put a cpap on me during the study either, but within the week I had a prescription for cpap and appointments with respiratory therapists. I didn't quite understand the explanation they gave me so I can't help you out there...
Glad to know your study went ok. I'm sure you're not the first person, or the last, who had difficulty getting to sleep but hopefully they have enough info to id a problem or two.
Did they tell you how long it would be to get the results? There are pages and pages of data to analyze so it might be as long as a month...with luck, sooner.
Do request a copy of the study....you'll be learning as you go and being able to refer to your own records helps heaps...afterall, it's sad to say, you may find the answers to your questions without the help from your doctors.
Bethsheba
PS And yes, there are lots of other things they could find. Apnea is only one of many different sleep disorders.
Don't assume you don't have apnea because they didn't put a cpap on you...they didn't put a cpap on me during the study either, but within the week I had a prescription for cpap and appointments with respiratory therapists. I didn't quite understand the explanation they gave me so I can't help you out there...
Glad to know your study went ok. I'm sure you're not the first person, or the last, who had difficulty getting to sleep but hopefully they have enough info to id a problem or two.
Did they tell you how long it would be to get the results? There are pages and pages of data to analyze so it might be as long as a month...with luck, sooner.
Do request a copy of the study....you'll be learning as you go and being able to refer to your own records helps heaps...afterall, it's sad to say, you may find the answers to your questions without the help from your doctors.
Bethsheba
PS And yes, there are lots of other things they could find. Apnea is only one of many different sleep disorders.
moetwins
07-18-2008, 03:39 PM
Thanks so much Bethsheba! I go back to the doctors on August 6th, I am anxious to hear what he has to say. I will post my results when I get them. Thanks again for everybodys help! :)
bethsheba
07-18-2008, 08:34 PM
Moe,
I'll be looking forward to hearing how the appointment goes...although I like mysteries, I love answers :D.
Bethsheba
I'll be looking forward to hearing how the appointment goes...although I like mysteries, I love answers :D.
Bethsheba
moetwins
07-23-2008, 04:47 PM
Hi everybody, I was just wondering if it's normal for a doctor to call you with your sleep study results? I wasn't home when they called but my dad said that the sleep center called with my results. I always thought that they waited until your next doctors appointment to give you the results and since I have an appointment in only two weeks it seems weird that they would call. Did your sleep center call any of you guys?
bethsheba
07-23-2008, 04:53 PM
Yup, the nurse at the sleep center called because they wanted me on cpap due to my sleep apnea...had appointments with the respiratory therapists to fit my equipment, and had a follow up with my doc later who then explained the results of my study at that time. It is unlikely that the doctor would go over your sleep study on the phone....unless there was nothing to report, I suppose.
But again, I wasn't given a cpap during my study for various reasons, none of which I understood or remembered at the time.
Bethsheba
But again, I wasn't given a cpap during my study for various reasons, none of which I understood or remembered at the time.
Bethsheba
moetwins
07-23-2008, 05:26 PM
Thanks Bethsheba! The person who called earlier said that they would call back later so I guess I'll just sit here and wait for them to call back :). I'll let you know what they say.
moetwins
07-23-2008, 09:52 PM
Bethsheba, I forgot to ask you once the nurse called you back and said that you needed a cpap machine did you have to stay overnight at the sleep center again? They still haven't called me back yet and I feel weird calling them since they said we'll call you back so I'll just wait and see what happens. I just really hope I don't need to go for another night.
bethsheba
07-24-2008, 08:28 PM
Moe,
No, I didn't go in for another sleep study. They made an appointment for me to see the respiratory therapist who fitted me with a mask, and explained how to use the cpap. It took about an hour I guess.
My appointment with the doctor was several weeks later (it takes several weeks to process all the data and for the doctor to review it)...at my follow up, he explained the results of my study. Because my pressures were ok, he then scheduled another follow up 6 months later. I had 6 month follow ups for about 18 months and now I'm supposed to go in once a year...I bring my little card with me, they download it at the doctor's office, and my pressures can be adjusted accordingly.
That's all I know!
Wouldn't hurt for you to call them back...sometimes they get distracted and forget their original mission, grin.
Bethsheba
No, I didn't go in for another sleep study. They made an appointment for me to see the respiratory therapist who fitted me with a mask, and explained how to use the cpap. It took about an hour I guess.
My appointment with the doctor was several weeks later (it takes several weeks to process all the data and for the doctor to review it)...at my follow up, he explained the results of my study. Because my pressures were ok, he then scheduled another follow up 6 months later. I had 6 month follow ups for about 18 months and now I'm supposed to go in once a year...I bring my little card with me, they download it at the doctor's office, and my pressures can be adjusted accordingly.
That's all I know!
Wouldn't hurt for you to call them back...sometimes they get distracted and forget their original mission, grin.
Bethsheba
moetwins
08-06-2008, 02:52 PM
Hi everybody, I just wanted to let you know that I went to the doctors today to get my sleep study results. He told me that I only have mild sleep apnea (I woke up 13.6 times every hour). He said that since I am so young and it's only mild apnea, he doesn't recommend a CPAP but he does want me to go see an ear, nose and throat doctor, does anyone know why he would send me to this type of doctor?
bethsheba
08-06-2008, 08:36 PM
.... He told me that I only have mild sleep apnea (I woke up 13.6 times every hour). He said that since I am so young and it's only mild apnea, he doesn't recommend a CPAP but he does want me to go see an ear, nose and throat doctor, does anyone know why he would send me to this type of doctor?
Moe, telling you that you have "mild sleep apnea" because you woke up 13.6 times every hour doesn't tell you much...I would suggest again, that you get a copy of the entire report. Although the number of times one wakes up may be "interesting", it means little unless one takes into account the length of time that one stops breathing, as well as the oxygen levels in the body after these episodes. Telling you that you wake up 13.6 times is really insignificant unless you have info regarding the entire picture....if it weren't, they'd just take a video, note the times that you stopped breathing and that would be that. BUT, they use lots of electrodes, record oxygen levels, etc, etc.
I am somewhat perplexed as to why your doctor would refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist also. A thorough exam of your nose, throat, and ears should have been done as a part of your sleep exam, and before your sleep study because sometimes reasons for obstructed breathing can be observed with a visual exam.
An ent would examine you for possible physical reasons you experience obstructions in your breathing. The only treatments I am aware of ents doing, are surgeries....and I would be very, very wary of any surgical recommendations especially when cpap is 100 percent effective.
Bethsheba
Moe, telling you that you have "mild sleep apnea" because you woke up 13.6 times every hour doesn't tell you much...I would suggest again, that you get a copy of the entire report. Although the number of times one wakes up may be "interesting", it means little unless one takes into account the length of time that one stops breathing, as well as the oxygen levels in the body after these episodes. Telling you that you wake up 13.6 times is really insignificant unless you have info regarding the entire picture....if it weren't, they'd just take a video, note the times that you stopped breathing and that would be that. BUT, they use lots of electrodes, record oxygen levels, etc, etc.
I am somewhat perplexed as to why your doctor would refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist also. A thorough exam of your nose, throat, and ears should have been done as a part of your sleep exam, and before your sleep study because sometimes reasons for obstructed breathing can be observed with a visual exam.
An ent would examine you for possible physical reasons you experience obstructions in your breathing. The only treatments I am aware of ents doing, are surgeries....and I would be very, very wary of any surgical recommendations especially when cpap is 100 percent effective.
Bethsheba
moetwins
08-07-2008, 09:39 PM
Thanks for the info Bethsheba! My doctor said "I'll give you a copy of your study" but then he never did so I think I will call and ask for it. I am wary of having any surgeries as well, hopefully it won't come to that. Thanks again for your help! ;)